New Mexico road trip itinerary: 7 days of adobe towns, alien lore and white dunes

Whether you want to hike, eat or maybe even spot an alien or two, here’s how to plan the ultimate New Mexico road trip itinerary.

Get in, friends. We’re heading on a New Mexico road trip!

There’s nowhere quite as perfect for an old-American style road trip than New Mexico. Seriously, stunning scenic drives are connected by charming little towns where you can experience Native American and Southwestern culture.

Add friendly locals and an incredible food scene to the mix, and you have a banging road trip.

I drove through New Mexico in February, as part of a longer Southwest road trip that took me from the gypsum dunes of White Sands to Albuquerque, then north to Taos and Santa Fe. It was sunny but freezing (literally zero degrees Celsius in Albuquerque), there was snow on the Sandia Mountains and in the hills above Santa Fe, and it rained for part of my day at White Sands. Albuquerque won me over, Santa Fe is one of my favourite cities, and my sunrise balloon ride over the Rio Grande was a 10 out of 10.

This seven-day route starts in Santa Fe, heads north to Taos and back down to Albuquerque, then swings south-east to Roswell and Carlsbad Caverns before finishing among the dunes of White Sands. It assumes you’re hiring a car (you’ll need one) and driving one way: fly into Albuquerque or Santa Fe, then fly home from El Paso, about an hour and a half from White Sands, or drive back up to Albuquerque.

If you’re up for the adventure, I’ve got all the deets for you. I’m talking packing tips, must-see spots and everything in between.

Excited to experience the Land of Enchantment? Let’s jump in, and hold onto your horses.

Psst: You can’t go anywhere without these road trip essentials

Your 7 days at a glance

• Day 1: Santa Fe: Meow Wolf, the New Mexico Museum of Art, contemporary Native art at MoCNA and breakfast at Tia Sophia’s
• Day 2: Taos: Taos Pueblo, the Harwood Museum, the hot springs at Ojo Caliente, rafting and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
• Days 3 and 4: Albuquerque: a sunrise balloon ride, Rinconada Canyon’s petroglyphs, the Sandia Peak Tramway, Sawmill Market and the breweries
• Day 5: Roswell: the International UFO Museum, Robert Goddard’s rockets and the sinkhole lakes outside town
• Day 6: Carlsbad Caverns: the Big Room and, from late May to October, the evening bat flight
• Day 7: White Sands National Park: Dunes Drive, sledging and the Alkali Flat Trail

7-day New Mexico road trip itinerary

Day 1: Santa Fe, the City Different

Santa Fe is the best introduction to the vibrant New Mexican lifestyle thanks to its well-curated blend of Native American culture, buzzing art scene and renowned gastronomy.

Perfect for foodie or history lovers, this unconventional yet laid-back city will keep you on your toes.

Santa Fe is one of my favourite cities, and it more than earns its nickname, the City Different. At around 7,000 feet it’s also the highest state capital in the US, so take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of water. When I arrived in February, I had lunch and then headed straight up into the snowy foothills above town for a walk on the Dale Ball Trails, which I loved: there are pretty trails for anything from an hour to a whole day, a short drive from the Plaza. My guide to the best hikes in New Mexico has more on them.

Things to do in Santa Fe

Get lost in Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return

Think art galleries are boring? Think again.

The original location for the fantastical art installations that are now dotted across the US is still the best. Meow Wolf (House of Eternal Return) in Santa Fe is eclectic, bonkers, and certainly not boring.

Yes, entrance is pretty pricey (I paid $35, booking in advance online) but it’s absolutely worth it. I never knew what to expect around each corner: one moment I was sliding through a tunnel behind a washing-machine door, the next, stepping into a portal through an innocuous-looking fridge. The size and range of the installations is spectacular.

This is immersive art on a grand scale and perfect for adults and children alike. But be warned, it does get busy, so you should definitely book tickets online, particularly if you want to go at the weekend.

See the Southwest through artists’ eyes at the New Mexico Museum of Art

If you would prefer a more traditional art gallery experience, you need to admire the Southwest through the years at the historic New Mexico Museum of Art.

The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other art forms, with a particular focus on artists who were influenced by the landscape and culture of the Southwest.

The museum opened in 1917 in a Pueblo Revival building just off the Plaza, and it now holds more than 20,000 works. Don’t miss the teeny sculpture garden at the side. Admission is $12, and it’s open from 10am to 5pm, but closed on Mondays from November to April.

Discover contemporary Native art at MoCNA

The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is dedicated to showcasing the work of Native American artists, with a focus on contemporary art.

This relatively small museum features a range of artforms, from traditional oil on canvas to those central to Native American culture, like jewellery.

I wasn’t allowed to film inside, so you’ll have to go and see it for yourself. It’s at 108 Cathedral Place, a couple of minutes’ walk from the Plaza, and admission is $10 (free on Fridays). It’s closed on Tuesdays.

Have breakfast at Tia Sophia’s

Take my advice and enjoy breakfast at Tia Sophia’s. Santa Fe has a renowned culinary scene and claims to be the birthplace of the breakfast burrito.

So what better place to indulge than one that’s served these delicious treats since 1975?

These burritos are insane and filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese and your choice of bacon, sausage or chorizo. They’re then smothered in red or green chile, or both (Christmas-style, my choice FYI) for a spicy kick.

Better yet, they’re pretty affordable (around $14) and portions are HUGE. There’s no better way to fuel yourself up for a day, if you ask me.

It’s an absolute must, and that is how you start your day. Tia Sophia’s is on West San Francisco Street, a block from the Plaza, and it only serves breakfast and lunch, so don’t leave it too late.

Getting to Santa Fe

Heading to Santa Fe is fairly straightforward: this will be the starting point of your New Mexico itinerary, which you can reach from Santa Fe Regional Airport. Rent a car at the airport and drive into the centre.

The airport is small, with direct flights from Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Chicago on American and United. Most travellers fly into Albuquerque International Sunport instead, which has far more flights and car hire desks; from there it’s about 64 miles (around an hour) north to Santa Fe on I-25.

Suggested stay in Santa Fe

The modern Eldorado Hotel & Spa is a fantastic option for its proximity to the bustling Downtown and the New Mexico Museum of Art. This is where I stayed and I found that although the rooms are slightly dark (you’re only there to sleep, though), they’re plenty spacious enough. Overall, I’d give it 3 out of 5: the location is the big draw.

Also, there’s nothing a relaxing spa session can’t fix. Luckily this accommodation features a spa and wellness area for your convenience.

Check rates and availability

Day 2: Taos, art and hot springs in the mountains

You don’t want to miss the picturesque, artsy town of Taos. Its historic adobe buildings host a variety of galleries and museums to broaden your view of Indigenous and modern New Mexican culture.

Taos is an epic ski destination; everyone knows that. But there’s plenty more to do here beyond the snow-filled valleys of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Taos was a surprise favourite on my trip. When I was there in February, the Plaza was dusted with snow and a local Native American gathering was taking place, with dancers in feathered headdresses. If you’re here to ski, Taos Ski Valley is about 40 minutes north-east of town and usually opens in late November (on 26 November in 2026).

Things to do in Taos

Browse Taos art at the Harwood Museum of Art

Pop in at the Harwood Museum of Art to see your fill of visual arts and Hispanic works tied to Taos’ local culture.

It’s two blocks west of the Plaza, with collections from the Taos Society of Artists and the Taos Moderns, Hispanic traditional art and a gallery devoted to the painter Agnes Martin.

Visit Taos Pueblo (if it’s open)

Visit Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sadly, they weren’t open when I visited, but check out the Taos Pueblo site to view their opening times.

The Pueblo’s multi-storey adobe homes, a short drive north of the Plaza, have been lived in for around 1,000 years. It normally welcomes visitors daily from 9am to 4pm (adults $25), but it closes for about ten weeks from late winter into early spring, and at short notice for ceremonies, so check before you drive out. Ask before photographing anyone, and keep out of the areas marked as off limits.

Eat and drink your way around Taos

Foodies will be in heaven when in Taos. Kickstart your day at The Coffee Apothecary, then go to The Love Apple for an intimate dinner in a former adobe chapel.

The Coffee Apothecary is a bright speciality coffee shop on Paseo del Pueblo Sur. The Love Apple serves seasonal, locally sourced New Mexican cooking from Wednesday to Sunday evenings, and it’s small, so book ahead.

Another place I highly recommend is the Taos Mesa Brewing Taos Tap Room. They serve brilliant pizzas and a decent selection of locally brewed beers. It’s on Paseo del Pueblo Sur too, and it’s closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It’s actually the sister taproom to the Mothership, out on the mesa north-west of town, which is only open seasonally but has live music and is one of Taos’ liveliest nightlife spots. Its summer concert season in the outdoor amphitheatre starts in late May.

Soak at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

Indulge your aching muscles in a cheeky little spa session. Steeped in history, this is one of the oldest spas in the country.

Each of the pools across the site offers something slightly different, as the springs carry four different minerals (iron, lithia, soda and arsenic), so you can spend some time moving from one to the next.

It’s one of the places I made time for on my trip. Ojo Caliente sits on US-285, about an hour from both Santa Fe and Taos, so the easiest way to fit it in is as a stop on the drive north (see getting to Taos, below).

Trust me: the rest of this road trip is going to be pretty full-on, so take a couple of hours to treat yourself.

Go whitewater rafting in the Rio Grande Gorge

If you fancy something a little more lively, whitewater rafting is a popular option for those seeking thrills in Taos. There are several stretches of river in the area, which lends itself to plenty of epic opportunities.

I recommend booking your Taos river rafting experience with New Mexico River Adventures: they have the most extensive selection of tours by far. But be warned: some of these trips involve hiking in and out of the gorge.

Rafting is a spring and summer activity, when snowmelt fills the river. The half-day Racecourse trip (from about $76 for adults, plus tax) suits first-timers and families, while the full-day Taos Box (from about $149, for ages 13 and over) is the classic big-water run through the gorge. In winter, swap it for the hot springs.

Look down from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

If you fancy admiring the water on dry land instead, head to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: this steel deck arch bridge crosses the Rio Grande Gorge around 10 miles north-west of Taos. Opened in 1965, it carries US-64 about 600 feet above the river, and it’s well worth stopping off at on your road trip.

There are walkways on both sides of the bridge, and a rest area with parking at the western end, where the West Rim Trail sets off along the edge of the gorge.

Getting to Taos

Sitting 70 miles north of Santa Fe, arriving in Taos only takes about 1.5 hours via US-84/285 north to Española, then NM-68 along the Rio Grande.

To fit in Ojo Caliente, stay on US-285 north of Española instead. It adds about 40 minutes, and it brings you into Taos across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. In winter, check road conditions before you set off, as snow can slow the mountain roads.

Suggested stay in Taos

The Inn on La Loma Plaza encapsulates New Mexico in its decor and dining. This quirky hotel features uniquely styled rooms, and mine came with a private steam room: what more could you ask for?

I highly recommend having your breakfast on-site, as their à la carte menu consists of tantalising New Mexican dishes to wake up your tastebuds.

It’s a historic inn on a quiet little plaza of its own, on Ranchitos Road, an easy walk from Taos Plaza.

Check rates and availability

Days 3 and 4: Albuquerque, balloons and petroglyphs

After a day of rafting, exploring and some more driving, it’s time to take it easy in the charming Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city.

I adore this city! It’s sprawling with beautiful sights and attractions and covered in historic adobe buildings, museums and quirky shops.

The staff at my hotel did their best to talk the city down, but I loved it anyway. It was sunny but freezing when I visited in February, and Old Town was very, very quiet, which suited its little shops, restaurants and adobe plaza: it’s really cute. Blackbird Coffee House, just off the Plaza on San Felipe Street, did me a fantastic coffee.

Things to do in Albuquerque

Graze your way around Sawmill Market

Take your pick at stalls and bars in the lively Sawmill Market. I recommend trying a poke from Notorious P.O.K.E and washing it down with a margarita from Flora Restaurant (thank me later).

My cheeky margarita was enormous. Beer lovers should head to Paxton’s Taproom, and there are stalls for pizza, burgers, tacos and more. The food hall is a short walk from Old Town and opens daily from 8am.

Float over the city in a hot air balloon

You can’t visit ABQ and not go on a hot air balloon ride. Offered year-round, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Bosque forest and the Rio Grande. This was a highlight during my trip to ABQ.

I flew at sunrise with Rainbow Ryders, and it was very different to when I went hot air ballooning over the Valley of the Kings: here the city is right there below you, and the silence is broken only by the roar of the burner. The landing was in a car park (crazy that you can do this in the middle of a city), locals waved, and there was a glass of champagne to celebrate. 10 out of 10.

Flights run every day of the year, weather permitting. You’re in the air for 45 minutes to an hour, and the whole experience takes about three hours. If you’re here in early October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with hundreds of balloons (the 2027 Fiesta starts on 2 October), so book everything well ahead.

Sample Albuquerque’s breweries

Albuquerque has a lively brewing scene, so if you’re into beer, drinking your way around some of the city’s local brews is a must.

My top picks include Bosque Brewing Co and La Cumbre Brewing Co, while heading to Bow & Arrow Brewing Co, a female and Native-owned brewery, is a must.

Bow & Arrow, north of downtown, was the first brewery in the state owned by a Native woman, and the beer is pretty bang. La Cumbre has been brewing since 2010 and has taprooms on Girard Boulevard and Coors Boulevard. Bosque closed its taprooms in December 2025, but its beer is now brewed by Marble Brewery, so you’ll still find it around town. With around 30 breweries in the city, you won’t go thirsty.

Hunt for petroglyphs in Rinconada Canyon

Petroglyph National Monument is another Albuquerque must; the park is home to around 25,000 petroglyphs, carved into the volcanic boulders by Native Americans and Spanish settlers between 400 and 700 years ago.

Take my advice: if you only have time to do one trail, make it Rinconada Canyon. This 2.2-mile trail is dotted with around 300 petroglyphs, which are largely clustered on one half of the trail, so you can either do it as a loop or as an out-and-back.

It was my favourite walk in Albuquerque. The ranger reckoned on about an hour and a half; bring binoculars, as plenty of the carvings are high up on the boulders, and play spot the petroglyph, working out what each one shows before you read the signs. It’s free, and the car park is open from 8am to 5pm.

You should note that none of the trailheads for the petroglyph viewing trails are at the Visitor Centre. I recommend that you decide which trail you’re doing and drive to the specific parking lot for it as they are quite far apart.

Still, it’s worth stopping by the visitor centre (parking is free) to chat about the trails and find out which one suits you best.

Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at sunset

Trust me when I say: go on the Sandia Peak Tramway. It’s worth the buck, as the mesmerising views won’t disappoint. There’s even a restaurant and bar at the peak for a sundowner among gorgeous vistas.

The tram whisks you 2.7 miles up the mountain to around 10,300 feet in about 15 minutes. At the top, I tried a short walk and I wasn’t quite prepared: down below it’s desert, but up there I was stepping through pockets of snow. I stayed for sunset anyway, and even though it was freezing cold, it was epic. Definitely do this.

Spot birds at the Rio Grande Nature Center

The Rio Grande Nature Center sits in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to go for a hike or a laid-back bike ride. Along the way, you’ll stumble across a variety of trails, wildlife and stunning views of the Rio Grande.

It’s a state park on the Rio Grande flyway, and in winter sandhill cranes, ducks and geese gather on its pond, which you can watch from viewing blinds. Around 1.2 miles of trails wind through the cottonwoods, and the park is open from 8am to 5pm.

Dine at Campo at Los Poblanos

End one of your days in ABQ with a blowout meal at Campo: it’s one of the best restaurants in town.

You’ll find it tucked away on an organic farm in Los Ranchos, north of Old Town and, while it bills itself as casual fine dining, expect contemporary southwestern fare with a heavily Mexican influence.

The menu changes seasonally but the braised lamb birria I had was ridiculously indulgent and came with some of the best tortillas I’ve ever tried.

Campo is recommended in the Michelin Guide’s 2026 Southwest selection, so book ahead: dinner is served nightly from 5pm.

Getting to Albuquerque

You can go straight to Albuquerque after Taos. The drive takes about 2 hours 30 minutes (about 135 miles) via NM-68 south and I-25 south through Santa Fe.

Suggested stay in Albuquerque

The stylish Hotel Chaco is a short walk from the Historic Old Town, Albuquerque’s beating heart. The AAA four-diamond boutique hotel offers luxury like few can, boasting elegant rooms, a fitness centre, a pool, flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi.

Its rooftop restaurant, Level 5, looks out to the Sandia Mountains, and Sawmill Market is right next door. For a farm-stay splurge, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Los Ranchos, home of Campo, is the other place I’d recommend. My guide to where to stay in Albuquerque has more options.

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Day 5: Roswell, UFOs and rocket science

Renowned for an alleged 1947 UFO crash, Roswell has grown a reputation for all things otherworldly.

Attracting many UFO and extraterrestrial enthusiasts, there’s more to this mysterious city than corny TV series about aliens. But that’s definitely part of the fun of visiting.

Away from the alien-themed shopfronts on Main Street, Roswell is a ranching and farming town in the Pecos Valley, with a couple of genuinely good museums and a string of sinkhole lakes just outside town.

Things to do in Roswell

Geek out at the International UFO Museum and Research Center

You have to visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center (duh). This is where you’ll geek out on everything UFO-related, including the infamous crash.

The museum was the idea of Walter Haut, who was the public information officer at Roswell Army Air Field in 1947, and it opened on North Main Street in 1992. Its exhibits cover the Roswell Incident, crop circles, Area 51, sightings and abduction claims, and they’re designed to let you make up your own mind. There’s a research library too.

See Robert Goddard’s rockets at the Roswell Museum

For something a little less quirky, admire art at the Roswell Museum (formerly the Roswell Museum and Art Center), showcasing the Southwest’s glory.

The rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard carried out much of his research on liquid-fuel rockets in Roswell in the 1930s, and the museum has a wing devoted to him, with a reproduction of his workshop and a moon rock from Apollo 17. The art collection includes the Santa Fe and Taos modernists, Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth, and the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium is part of the same complex. Check its opening days before you go.

Swim in the sinkholes at Bottomless Lakes State Park

Escape from the aliens (for a while) at Bottomless Lakes State Park, 15 miles south-east of town. Its chain of eight lakes are really sinkholes, 17 to 90 feet deep, set beneath red bluffs.

In summer you can swim from the beach at Lea Lake and hire pedal boats and paddleboards (from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend); the rest of the year, it’s a peaceful place for a walk. If you’re here in winter, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, north-east of town, is where thousands of sandhill cranes spend the season.

Getting to Roswell

From Albuquerque, take I-40 east to Clines Corners, then US-285 south to Roswell: about 200 miles, or around three and a quarter hours.

It’s a long, empty drive across the high plains, so fill up before you leave the interstate.

Suggested stay in Roswell

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers elegant rooms with excellent amenities for a comfortable stay in Roswell. Enjoy access to an indoor pool, hot tub, flat-screen TV and air conditioning at this three-star hotel.

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Day 6: Carlsbad Caverns, a world underground

Next up on this epic New Mexico road trip is a place of unique beauty. Located in the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns National Park protects more than 119 caves, including the star of the show, Carlsbad Cavern.

Things to do in Carlsbad Caverns

Walk into Carlsbad Cavern and the Big Room

The main reason people visit this region is to peek inside Carlsbad Cavern, of course. This show cavern is just too impressive to skip.

Inside, you’ll find much of nature’s craftsmanship, like the large limestone chamber called the Big Room, one of the largest cave chambers in North America.

You can take the lift down to the Big Room, or walk in through the Natural Entrance, a steep trail of about 1.25 miles that drops around 750 feet and takes about an hour. The Big Room trail itself is another 1.25-mile loop, so allow about an hour and a half for it. From late May to October, stay for the evening bat flight programme, when hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats spiral out of the Natural Entrance at dusk (phones and cameras aren’t allowed).

Find out more about the fees and passes on the National Park Service site.

Getting to Carlsbad Caverns

The drive from Roswell south on US-285 to the town of Carlsbad takes about an hour and a quarter (76 miles). The park’s visitor centre is another 27 miles beyond, past Whites City and up the 7-mile entrance road, so allow about 1 hour 45 minutes in all (103 miles), and set off early enough to make the 2.30pm last entry.

Suggested stay in Carlsbad

At Home2 Suites By Hilton, you’ll receive all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay in Carlsbad. This three-star hotel gives you access to a fitness centre, Wi-Fi and barbecue facilities.

The town of Carlsbad is about half an hour’s drive from the cavern, so it’s also handy if you’re staying for the bat flight.

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Day 7: White Sands National Park

Okay, day 7 might just be my favourite of the entire New Mexico road trip. Visit the enchanting white dunes at White Sands National Park.

Made from gypsum, this otherworldly dune field is the largest of its kind in the world, covering 275 square miles. It’s fascinating, and you won’t regret adding it to your itinerary.

When I visited in February, it rained for part of the day and the park was quiet. Summer is a different story, with scorching days, so start early if you’re here between June and August. My guide to the best time to visit White Sands goes through it month by month.

Things to do in White Sands National Park

Drive Dunes Drive

Dunes Drive runs for 8 miles (16 miles there and back) from the visitor centre into the heart of the dunefield. The first 5 miles are paved and the rest is packed gypsum, which can be slippery after rain, so take it slowly. Allow at least 45 minutes for the round trip without stops, and far longer once you start pulling in at the picnic areas and trailheads along the way.

Sledge down the dunes

Apart from overworking your camera, you can sledge down the dunes. If that sounds fun, bring a sledge or buy or rent a waxed plastic saucer at the gift shop next to the visitor centre and have a blast.

Just be prepared: climbing back up the dunes with a sled is quite the calf workout.

Pick a dune with a gentle slope and a flat run-off, go feet first, and keep away from the Interdune Boardwalk, where sledging isn’t allowed.

Hike the Alkali Flat Trail

If you’re feeling brave, take on the five-mile Alkali Flat Trail.

I have to be honest, this wasn’t my favourite trail as it was pretty hard work. But the views were incredible and you get to head into the midst of the sand dunes. Make sure you keep a close eye on the trail markers as it would be far too easy to get lost on the trail.

There is no shade, water or toilets on this trail, so only hike it if you’re prepared. Make sure to catch the sunset and simply admire the whimsical dunes (trust me when I say sunglasses are a MUST).

Allow about three hours. The loop climbs up and down dunes up to 60 feet high to the edge of the Alkali Flat, the dry bed of an ancient lake. Carry at least two litres of water each, and don’t set out if it’s 85°F (29°C) or hotter, or if strong winds are blowing the sand about. My guide to the best hikes in New Mexico has the park’s shorter trails too.

Walk the Interdune Boardwalk

Looking for a more leisurely way to explore the park? I recommend taking a stroll along the Interdune Boardwalk. It’s an easy 0.4-mile walk on a boardwalk that takes you through the heart of some of the smaller dunes, and it offers some incredible views.

Better yet, there’s far less risk of sand sneaking into your trainers.

The boardwalk has been listed as closed until further notice, so check the park’s alerts before you go. If it’s still shut, the 1-mile Dune Life Nature Trail is a good short alternative.

Getting to White Sands National Park

Gear up for quite the stretch, as getting from Carlsbad Cavern to White Sands National Park takes about 3 hours 30 minutes (roughly 190 miles) via Carlsbad, Artesia and US-82 west over the mountains through Cloudcroft.

The road climbs to more than 8,600 feet at Cloudcroft, so check for snow and ice in winter. The alternative, via El Paso and US-54, is longer (about 234 miles) but takes about the same time.

White Sands is the end of the road: El Paso International Airport is about an hour and a half south, and Albuquerque is about 225 miles (3 hours 30 minutes) north. If you hired your car in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, check the one-way drop-off fee before you book.

Suggested stay near White Sands National Park

Of all the hotels near White Sands National Park, try Home2 Suites by Hilton in Alamogordo, where I stayed. It’s about 20 minutes from the park’s visitor centre. This pristine, three-star hotel boasts spacious rooms with kitchens, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast.

See my guide to where to stay near White Sands for more options.

Check rates and availability

Have more time? Add these to your itinerary

An extra night in Santa Fe

One day in Santa Fe barely scratches the surface, so if you can, add a second night. Spend it at Ten Thousand Waves, the Japanese-style spa in the hills above town. After more than a week on the road, it was my treat to myself: I hung out in the hot pool, sat in a sauna that was hotter than hell while it was all snowy outside (just perfect), then had an 80-minute CBD massage that was, well, blissful. Check it’s still offered when you book, though: it no longer appears on the spa’s main massage menu. Everything is by reservation, with no walk-in day passes, so book well ahead.

Then wander Canyon Road, where adobe houses are filled with independent galleries (go into as many as you have time to), and see the spiral staircase at Loretto Chapel. My guide to the best things to do in Santa Fe has plenty more.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

About 40 miles south-west of Santa Fe (around 50 minutes), these cone-shaped rock formations were left behind by volcanic eruptions 6 to 7 million years ago. The Slot Canyon Trail squeezes through a narrow canyon and climbs about 630 feet to a viewpoint, 3 miles there and back, while the 1.2-mile Cave Loop is gentler. It makes a good half-day between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and there are more ideas in my guide to day trips from Santa Fe.

Bandelier National Monument

About an hour north-west of Santa Fe, Bandelier protects the homes Ancestral Pueblo people carved into the soft volcanic cliffs of Frijoles Canyon between about 1150 and 1550. The 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop Trail takes in the cliff dwellings, and if you have a head for heights, ladders climb about 140 feet up to Alcove House. Entry is $25 per vehicle (cards only), and from mid-March to mid-October a shuttle runs when the car parks fill.

Map

Handy tips for planning your New Mexico road trip

New Mexico is not your average road trip destination. It might be epic, but the drives are long between stops, and the seasons don’t always follow the rules. So, you have to prepare well.

Top tips

• Take the altitude seriously. Santa Fe sits at about 7,000 feet and the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway at over 10,000, so drink plenty of water, wear sunblock even in winter and take your first day gently.
• Book the timed things ahead. Carlsbad Cavern needs a timed-entry reservation, Tent Rocks a Recreation.gov ticket, and Meow Wolf and Ten Thousand Waves sell out, especially at weekends.
• Do the maths on a national parks pass. The America the Beautiful pass costs $80 for US residents and $250 for everyone else, and covers White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and Bandelier.
• Fill up whenever you can. There are long, empty stretches between towns (Clines Corners to Roswell, and Artesia to Cloudcroft), and phone signal can disappear, so download offline maps.

What to pack for New Mexico’s deserts and mountains

Here are a few things you should pack:

• A high-quality reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go.
• Sturdy pair of walking shoes for exploring and hiking trainers for those rugged terrains.
• Protective eyewear, a wide-brimmed hat and high SPF sunblock.
• A camera to capture all the gorgeous scenery and landscapes.
• Warm layers, a hat and gloves if you’re travelling in winter. I wasn’t quite prepared for the snow at the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway.

Handy resources for planning

Some things just make life much easier. These helpful resources won’t let you down.

• Skyscanner: Hosts some of the cheapest flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Booking.com: An online travel agency boasting many excellent hotels worldwide.
• Get Your Guide: An online travel agency for exciting guided tours and excursions.

Best time to visit

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are the sweet spots, with mild days, cool nights and everything open. Early October brings the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, so book your hotels months ahead if you’re visiting then. Summer is hot at White Sands and Carlsbad, with afternoon monsoon storms from July to September, but it’s rafting season in Taos and bat flight season at Carlsbad. I went in February: it was cold, sunny and quiet, with snow in the mountains and rain at White Sands, but Taos Pueblo was closed and there’s no rafting. My guide to the best time to visit New Mexico has more.

Getting around

What’s a road trip without a car? Here are some excellent car rental agencies to consider:

• Hertz
• Enterprise Rent a Car
• Avis

I advise you to shop around, as prices do differ. Albuquerque’s Sunport has the widest choice of cars. If you’re finishing at White Sands and flying home from El Paso, compare the one-way drop-off fee with the cost of driving three and a half hours back to Albuquerque. Public transport between these stops is very limited, although the Rail Runner train links Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Read next

• What to do in White Sands National Park
• The best things to do in New Mexico
• Incredible New Mexico landmarks to add to your trip
• Brilliant things to do in Santa Fe
• Epic things to do in Albuquerque
• 10 days in the American Southwest: the perfect road trip

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